Merrillville, IN – Recovery efforts are underway across Merrillville and parts of Lake County on Friday, June 12, after powerful tornadoes and severe thunderstorms tore through Northwest Indiana, damaging homes, businesses, schools and infrastructure.
According to local officials and the National Weather Service, only minor injuries were reported despite widespread destruction across some of the hardest-hit areas. Preliminary assessments indicate approximately 200 structures were either damaged or destroyed during Thursday’s severe weather outbreak.
Merrillville sustained some of the most significant impacts in Lake County, with numerous homes and buildings suffering major damage. Officials reported several structures had roofs torn off, while downed trees, debris and power outages were scattered throughout affected neighborhoods.
The National Weather Service said several tornadoes occurred across Illinois and Northwest Indiana on June 11, with some producing significant damage. Survey teams are conducting field inspections Friday to determine the number, strength and tracks of the tornadoes.
While neighboring communities including St. John and Schererville reported storm-related damage and power outages, officials said the destruction in Merrillville was considerably more widespread.
Merrillville High School sustained significant storm damage during the event. Officials confirmed no injuries occurred at the school because no students or staff were inside at the time the tornado struck.
Emergency management officials have established a command center near 61st Avenue and Cleveland Street, where multiple agencies are coordinating response operations. Search-and-rescue teams, utility crews and damage assessment personnel from across Indiana and Illinois have joined recovery efforts.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel in damaged areas as crews continue clearing roads, restoring utilities and evaluating structures.
Red Cross assistance and local shelter information are expected to be announced as recovery operations continue. Officials said additional details regarding housing assistance and disaster relief resources will be released once assessments are completed.
The National Weather Service continues surveying damage across Northwest Indiana and portions of Illinois, with updated findings expected later Friday.
